Is this a sign of how the club are progressing? Bristol City are jetting out to the US this summer the club has announced.
The Robins will reside in Tampa Bay from 11 to 19 July ahead of their 2019-20 campaign, and it comes after the club has developed contacts over in the States.
Club CEO Mark Ashton attended the United Soccer League Winter Summit in December 2018, while the Robins were linked with a bid for Columbus Crew goalkeeper Zack Steffen last summer, negotiating directly with the MLS as they tried to sign the goalkeeper who is now set to join Manchester City.
The nine-day trip to America means that there will be no traditional Bristol City summer trip to Spain after the club visited Marbella in summer 2018, Tenerife in 2017 and La Manga in 2016.
Pre-season matches on last summer's tour:
- RB Linense 2-2 Bristol City
- Rayo Vallecano 1-0 Bristol City
Ashton told the club's official website: “As we grow as a football club we want to expand our horizons and build relationships around the world.
“The USL is the equivalent in the United States and Canada of the English Football League and oversees more than 100 clubs.
“Our relationship will enable us to tap into a huge network of contacts and the training camp will give Lee and his coaching team the best possible preparation for next season.”
USL President Jake Edwards added: “We are delighted to be welcoming Bristol City to the US. They are an ambitious club, and we were very impressed by Mark and his team when they presented at our Winter Summit.
“Florida will provide the perfect setting for a pre-season training camp, and we look forward to getting together, exchanging ideas, and finding new, innovative ways to strengthen the bridge between our two organizations.”
Details of matches have yet to be confirmed while Bristol City also say they will hold an open training session.
